Local GOP Delegate: "The Whole Nation Has Been Watching Wisconsin"

Dianne Joachim, a St. Croix County Republican Party activist, is an alternate delegate to the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa this week. She has sent the following report back to Hudson Patch on Thursday, Aug. 30:

Yesterday's, Wednesday breakfast at Ashley Furniture business owners' home.....guest speaker...Fox News Frank Luntz! 

Today a surprise guest at breakfast....former Secretary of State....Condoleezza Rice!  What a passionate and dignified woman promoting America's exceptionalism and leadership. 

It is an amazing experience being an alternate delegate to the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida. Every morning begins with a Wisconsin Delegation breakfast, a prayer and a line of speakers that deliver the message that "we, the people" are the ones to turn this country around. To do that we need strong leadership.  You hear such words as job creation, small business development, homeland energy dependence, world leadership and America's exceptionalism. Words the resonant the core values and principles of  the founding fathers of the United States of America. 

I realize that many watched the speeches that were given last night so I won't go into that part of it. What is difficult to see on the screen is the genuine enthusiasm and passion that, not only the speakers portrayed, but that of the entire crowd. The whole nation has been watching Wisconsin. This morning at breakfast, the CEO of the National Convention Committee stated that the world is watching Wisconsin.  He told us about a foreign ambassador program where foreign dignitaries can apply and come to observe the process of a democratic government. My husband, Larry sat next to and visited with the wife of one of the Germany dignitaries. 

It is obvious that the eyes of the world are on Wisconsin when an observer from one of the boxed suites commented that the media was converged on the Wisconsin delegation sections much more so than any other state's sections. One could feel their presence as well. My assigned seat was in the front row of the alternate section. Media cameras were constantly pointing at someone in our section. 

I thought you might be interested in some of the logistics of the being part of the delegations. There are three delegates (42 total) and three alternates (39 total) elected from each of the Wisconsin congressional districts. Delegates and alternates are elected at respective district caucuses. It is an honor and a huge commitment as it is all volunteer and at the individual's personal expense. Many of the elected have chosen to bring one or more guests. Additionally, there are 50 "at large" delegates.

Every morning, delegates, alternates, and guests sign and pick up their credentials (passes) to the events for the day. These also serve as passes to board the transportation buses. No pass...no access. There is an itinerary for every day that is emailed. Bus transportation is provided to all events, including the convention at the "Forum."  Text messages are sent to your phone as a reminder for each scheduled event, each bus pickup and drop off.

There are literally thousands of jobs, if not created, at least expanded, by this convention. One could also look at the "trickle down" effect of having 100,000 or more people converge on a city. Security it tight.  There is a very visible presence of the National Guard, State Patrol, local law enforcement, Coast Guard, private security, and Secret Service. Getting into the convention events is similar to boarding an airplane without body scanners. At times, entire freeway sections and public roads are blocked off to allow buses to travel safely.  Interestingly enough, I have not seen or heard many protesters.

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Dianne Joachim, a St. Croix County Republican Party activist, is an alternate delegate to the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa this week. She has sent the following report back to Hudson Patch on Sunday, Aug. 26:

As an alternate delegate, I will be attending all events scheduled for the delegates from Wisconsin and those for the National delegation.  Mitt Romney is the Republican candidate elected by the citizens of Wisconsin. As an alternate delegate, I will not have the opportunity to cast a vote for the citizens' choice. 

The Wisconsin delegation, along with the Mississippi delegation, are staying at the Hyatt Downtown. Last night, Saturday, there was a reception honoring the National GOP chairman, Reince Priebus. Reince is the former Wisconsin GOP State Chairman. He is recognized for bringing the party together, nationally, and for his ability to raise funds to support the Republican Party. Gov. Scott Walker spoke at the event as did Reince. There were some 720 in attendance consisting of the Wisconsin delegation, alternates and invited guests.  

At the reception, there were several attendees from other states that would stop me, with a hand shake, or a high five saying "way to go Wisconsin."  We in (State) have had our eyes on Wisconsin....."Way to go." (referring to the Walker recall election).  

There is an energetic and enthusiastic aura throughout the delegation and excitement that our own Paul Ryan has been selected as the vice presidential candidate on the Romney/Ryan ticket. Not just because he (Paul) is from Wisconsin, but because that selection exemplifies Romney's boldness in selecting a running mate who has been bold in presenting a balanced budget, cutting spending and making America strong again. 

It was announced today, Sunday, that all events scheduled for the Wisconsin delegation will continue as scheduled on Monday. This is a great time to be a delegate from Wisconsin!